Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) and Facial Implants By Kansas City doctor J. David Kriet
Often, our patients come to us because they want a certain facial feature enhanced or reduced. To achieve these goals, Dr. Kriet offers chin and cheek implants, as well as ear pinning (otoplasty) at his Kansas City cosmetic surgery practice.
Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)
Because of the teasing that they often receive in school, children with prominent ears are the most common candidates for ear pinning, or otoplasty; however, plenty of adults in the Kansas City area have come to Dr. Kriet to have the size or prominence of their ears altered as well. Even mild distortion of the ears can lead to teasing and self-consciousness, which is why this procedure is often performed before starting school.
The Otoplasty Procedure
Typically, general anesthesia is recommended for young patients. Older children and adults are given a mild sedative and local anesthesia. Ear pinning surgery at our Kansas City facility generally takes about two hours.
Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural skin crease. A small amount of skin and cartilage is often removed and then the cartilage is reshaped using sutures.
After Ear Pinning Surgery
After otoplasty, the ears will be bandaged in soft dressings for a few days, after which a headband will be recommended at night for up to two weeks after surgery.
Discomfort is typically mild; Dr. Kriet can prescribe medication to help alleviate any discomfort. The final scar is hidden from view in the natural ear crease.
Facial Implants – Chin, Jaw, and Cheeks
The most recognizable and visible aspects of a person’s appearance are his or her facial features. Facial implants can augment a weak chin and enhance cheekbones, creating a more contoured and pleasing face.
Facial Implant Surgery
The procedure for placing implants is very similar for chin, cheek, and jaw implants. First, Dr. Kriet will make a small incision near the implant’s final location. In most cases, these incisions can be made inside the mouth to avoid any visible scars on the surface of the skin. The implant is inserted and the incision is stitched closed.
Depending on the number of implants being placed and the individual patient’s situation, facial implant surgery can take half an hour to two hours. General anesthesia is the most common method of sedation.
Patients can expect swelling and bruising in the affected areas for about a week; Dr. Kriet will prescribe medication to lessen any discomfort. A follow-up visit is made approximately five days after surgery so Dr. Kriet can remove any stitches and monitor the healing process.
Dr. Kriet encourages his prospective patients to explore the possibilities of modern cosmetic surgery; he feels that no one should have to go their whole lives with unsatisfying facial features. If you are interested in finding out more about facial implants, or if you or your child would benefit from ear pinning (otoplasty), contact our Kansas City plastic surgery practice to schedule a consultation.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kriet about facial implants or otoplasty (ear pinning), contact our Kansas City practice today.
I would like to thank each of my patients for graciously allowing us to incorporate their photographs into this Web site for patient education.
-Dr. Kriet